Battery Provincial Park A Gateway to History
In many of Nova Scotia's provincial parks there is a wealth of history waiting to be discovered. Battery Provincial Park near St. Peter's, Richmond Co., provides visitors with an opportunity to experience that history in a relaxed camp setting.
Many tourists and most Nova Scotians know about major forts built by the British and the French, including the Citadel in Halifax and the Fortress of Louisbourg in Cape Breton. But how many know about the numerous smaller forts that were built throughout the province?
Pat Morrison of Bedford wanted to find out more about the area, so she decided to become a campground host -- a volunteer who greets visitors and provides information about a campground and its surrounding community.
"I've spent two seasons hosting at Battery Park. I've learned that I love this region, and the application for this year is sitting here on my table," she said.
Campground hosts at Battery would be sure to point out the history of the area. The park was the site of a small fort built by the English in 1794. It was meant to strengthen British defenses during one of several wars with the French. The ruins of Fort Dorchester, at the summit of Mount Grenville, can still be seen in the park today.
It is easy to explore this part of Nova Scotia's heritage by using interpretive signs located throughout the park.
After learning about the busy St. Peter's port of yesteryear, campers can also enjoy a picnic and watch the ships go by. The community is known as the "Gateway to the Bras d'Or" for good reason: many pleasure craft travel through the canal each year to ply the waters of the Bras d'Or lakes. The picnic park is also open to day visitors who can swim at the beach in St. Peters Bay near the ocean entrance to St. Peters Canal.
"One of my favorite pastimes when I'm at the park is going down to the St. Peters Canal to watch the people fishing and the kids swimming," says Ms. Morrison. "You don't have one of those near every provincial park."
Battery Provincial Park is within walking distance of the canal, which is a National Historic Site. The lighthouse found in the park serves as a landmark for the entrance to St. Peters Canal. On the west side of the canal, the Nicolas Denys Museum highlights the region's history and tells the story of this adventurous pioneer. Denys established the region's first trading post in St. Peter's in 1650.
Ms. Morrison says the campsites at Battery are a good size and have a great view. "I enjoy sitting at my campsite and watching the boats go by in St. Peters Bay," she says. "The staff do a fabulous job of keeping the park clean and attractive. I get a kind of 'going home' feeling now every time I visit the park."
Battery Provincial Park is located just off Route 4 on the outskirts of St. Peter's. It is about a 30-minute drive from Port Hawkesbury and an hour's journey from Sydney. For reservations, phone the park during the camping season from June 20 to Sept. 1 at 902-535-3094.